BIRD WATCHING IN THE BROWNSBERG NATURE PARK

The Brownsberg is a laterite plateau with an altitude of 450-500 meters, which used to be connected with other plateaus like the Nassau and Lily mountains. Rivers have eroded the land in between, and the three mountains are the remnants of the much larger laterite crust. The plateau and the slopes are covered with pristine rainforest, which is in some places very low and dense and in others high and open. Gold mining in the beginning of the 20th century has turned some creeks into high waterfalls, which form a great attraction for many visitors. In several places, you will have marvelous views from the plateau over the rainforest on the slopes. The Mazaronitop offers views in three directions. It is near the lodges and can be reached after a ten-minute hike. Here we have a good chance of seeing the canopy birds like Blood-red Tanager, Tropical Parula and Blue-backed Tanager.

The plateau is the best place for bird watching. We can walk on the broad roads near the lodges or take the ‘Mazaroniweg’. These roads offer a good view into the canopy. We will encounter many species of Antbirds. It is likely that we will hear the beautiful song of the Musician Wren, and there is a good chance of hearing forest falcons in the early morning. Interesting species which have been sighted quite regularly are Guianan Red Cotinga, Red-and-black Grosbeak, Ringed Woodpecker, White-throated Pewee, Collared and Black-tailed Trogon and White-throated and White-fronted Manakins. From October until March there is a good chance of hearing the White Bellbird. The rare and spectacular Band-tailed Antshrike has never been missed by any group so far. And the park is without doubt the best place to find Grey-winged Trumpeters.

When the ‘Pommerak’ and ‘Walaba’ trees near the lodges flower, we can see more than 10 species of hummingbirds. When the Pommerak has ripe fruit, Guyanan Toucanets and Green Araçari’s will fly five meters above your head. When the fruit of the Clusia near the Tapir viewpoint is ripe, honey-creepers, tanagers and woodpeckers can be spotted at very close range. An Ornate Hawk-eagle has become tame and has been seen catching lizards on the ground next to people. A complete species list for the park can be found at http://www1.nhl.nl/~ribot/english/ .

[photos] Ringed Woodpecker, Guianan Red Cotinga and Grey-winged Trumpeter, all taken by Candi McManiman.